Next big thing in manufacturing IT: Moving data faster and easier

Latest HMI and SCADA technology easily moves large data sets between OPC servers, OPC clients, .NET applications, SQL servers using WAN, LAN, and the Internet in an open format.

Joy Chang, CFE Media

12/01/2014

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With the convergence of OT and IT, an extensive and open communications system is critical. An enormous challenge in an industrial facility is determining how to quickly and easily move data from the real-time, industrial environment to other information dependent systems, often under the control of the IT group. OPC Systems.NET by Open Automation Software offers an extensive suite of .NET and web-based SCADA, HMI, and plant floor components in addition to a powerful set of communication tools. Different from traditional SCADA or HMI solutions, OPC Systems focuses on delivering data from the plant floor to other information systems in a more open and easy to configure and manage method, the company said.

According to Rich Sangberg, regional sales manager at Open Automation Software, with the growing needs of the industry, the company has been growing very quickly over the past four years. The company currently has more than 10,000 customers, 20% of which are international, and that number includes more than 400 system integrators. "The HMI and SCADA software market today is saturated with each software vendor developing communication tools that only work within their own networks. OPC Systems is completely different. It moves data around using tools and platforms that people are familiar with, like Microsoft. We're the easy-to-use, powerful middleware for real-time devices, enterprise, and mobile applications," Sangberg said.

According to Sangberg, OPC Systems can acquire and process over 10 million tags per second with clients often accessing data through a variety of local, Internet, or intranet locations. "We've moved SCADA data into the IT world. We're not an MES or ERP company but have broad expertise in transporting data. Traditional SCADA systems have clunky interfaces that get information into SAP, Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk, or RSView. We move large volumes of data into Microsoft, Visual Studio, .NET apps, mobile apps, tablets, workstations, laptops, and email," Sangberg said.

The company targets manufacturers interested in leveraging data in variety of areas. Currently, Intel, Michelin Tire, Chevron, General Dynamics, US Navy, and many others use OPC Systems software. Sangberg believes the market size is huge and that OPC Systems is just breaking into the OT-IT section of the market.